2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

The annual cavalcade of cars that is the Geneva Motor Show is ready to kick off and 2008 is shaping up to be no different from any other year. Numerous one-offs from various coachbuilders and designers as well as various boutique performance and tuner cars will be competing for attention with the usual echelons of production and concept debuts from established automakers.

Highlights of this years show at the Geneva Palexpo include a coupe/convertible of the European Ford Focus, the second-generation Infiniti FX crossover, Audi Q5 midsize crossover, and the convertible version of the BMW M3.

Alfa Romeo‘s 8C Competizione Spider will feature the same 4.7-liter V-8 engine found in the coupe variant, which means it too will boast a full 450 horsepower. The coupe’s six-speed sequential gearbox will also be fitted to the convertible and carbon fiber trim will be abundant in the cockpit. The Alfa will eschew trendy folding hardtops for power-folding two-layer fabric roof — a good move as far as weight-savings is concerned.

Also like the coupe, the 8C Competizione Spider will have a limited production run of just 500 examples worldwide. Currently, delivery schedules are being finalized, so if you’d like an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Spider, we’d recommend being ready with checkbook in hand when orders begin.

Most of the updates made on the Brera and Spider for 2008 are found on the inside, with the only notable exterior updates being the addition of 18-inch wheels and a new color called Ice White. Inside, Alfa has fitted the two models with new front seats designed to be both sportier and more ergonomic, a new navigation system with a better interface, and rearranged climate control dials. There are also minor color scheme changes throughout the interior, including the addition of metallic-painted inserts on the dash and door panels and addition of several lightweight parts to the chassis — the brake calipers and suspension brackets are now made of aluminum and the wheels are of a lightweight alloy, which reduces total weight by several pounds.

The real news here is the new Electronic Q2 system that makes its debut on the 2008 Brera and Spider. Instead of the mechanical Q2 system found on many Alfas, which uses a Torsen limited-slip differential, the Electronic Q2 system uses the brakes to shift torque from one side of the car to the other to help maintain traction. In front-drive models, the system is linked to the front wheels. In all-wheel drive models, its linked to the rear wheels, where, according to Alfa, it has similar benefits to a fitting the car with a central Torsen and self-locking rear differentials.

Audi says the new A4 Avant is nearly five inches longer than its predecessor, though the Avant’s body is said to be 10 percent lighter this time around — not to mention more rigid. The increase in size is noticeable, but not quite as much as it should be, thanks to flat D-posts and a short front overhang, both working to minimize the Avant’s size, visually. Audi gives a cargo capacity of an impressive 50.5 cubic inches with the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat. The suspension too, has been completely revised with new aluminum construction and a new design.

The 2009 Audi A4 Avant will receive just one engine option at its U.S. launch, a turbocharged four-cylinder unit, details of which have not yet been released. It’s the same base-level engine that the 2009 A4 sedan will receive alongside the optional 265-horsepower 3.2-liter FSI V-6. We’re expecting that the V-6 will make its way into the U.S.-spec Avant’s engine bay at some point in the future, as it will be an option from the get-go for European customers. As for the four-cylinder unit, expect an all-new 2.0T with slightly more than 200 horsepower and an optional DSG dual-clutch transmission alongside a standard six-speed manual. Audi claims 0-to-62-mph times in the 6.4-second range and a top speed of over 155 mph with the V-6 installed.

You’d think that having spent at least $200,000 on a Bentley Continental GT Speed, most folks would be satisfied. And you’d be right. But if you don’t want to drive just any Bentley Continental GT Speed, Andrea Zagato has a deal for you. For an extra $340,000 to $370,000 — yes, that’s extra, on top of the MSRP — Zagato will give your GT Speed a brand new body.

Zagato worked closely with Bentley to ensure no loss of quality or driveability. While every body panel is new, the car retains much of the Conti’s original structure under the skin. The windshield and A-pillars are carryover items because it made no sense for Zagato to attempt to develop seals that matched the originals in terms of their ability to suppress windnoise.

Citroen has moved slightly upmarket with its new 2008 C5 Tourer. A five-door hatch, the new C5 Tourer is based on the recently released C5 sedan – itself being based on a shorted range-topping C6 platform. A host of engines are available for the C5 Tourer, including a 215 horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline unit and a 208 horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 diesel mill. A number of technological gizmos can be found on 2008 C5s including a lane departure warning system and the latest version of Citroen’s trademark self-leveling hydraulic suspension.

Thanks to the designers at Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre, the Fiat 500 Abarth has been recreated in the memory of the original 1960s hot-rodded econocar.

The new car will be powered by a four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 135 horsepower, an improvement of 35 horses over the base Fiat 500. The engine creates 132 lb-ft of torque in “Normal” mode and 152 lb-ft in “Sport” mode, though nothing was said about the method of switching between these two modes. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted and 0 to 62 mph dashes will be churned out in around 8.2 seconds, according to Fiat.

The 2009 Ford Fiesta is based on the same architecture as the Mazda2 and is the first Ford to stem from the automaker’s new global product-development process. The compact three-door hatchback shows remarkably few design changes in its transition from Verve Concept to Fiesta production car. The interior, a strong point of the Verve Concept, remains true to original designs as well, with a futuristic center stack that was inspired by mobile phones. The Fiesta will be powered by a range of five engines in Europe, ranging from a 67-horsepower diesel to a 113-horsepower, 1.6-liter gasoline motor. Transmission choices are limited to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, though the automatic is available only with a 90-horsepower, 1.4-liter gasoline engine. The Fiesta is slated for sales in Asia, South Africa, Australia, and North America by 2010 — the U.S. version likely bearing strong resemblance to the Verve Sedan Concept shown at the recent Detroit auto show.

The 2009 Ford Kuga is based on the same C1 platform that underpins the S-Max compact minivan and European Focus. Only one engine will be offered, a 2.0-liter common rail diesel rated at 134 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Only one gearbox too, a six-speed manual. FWD will be standard, with a Haldex AWD system available as an option. The Kuga rides on a 105.9 inch wheelbase and checks in at 174.4 inches long, 72.5 inches wide, 67.3 inches high, which is almost the same size as the U.S. market Escape. The only notable size difference between the pair is the Kuga’s wheelbase, which is 2.8 inches longer than the Escape’s, though it’s also a bit heavier. In FWD form, the Kuga weighs in at 3468 lbs, 101 lbs more than the FWD V-6 Escape. AWD models weigh 3556 lbs, 34 pounds heavier than its U.S. counterpart.

You gotta love Italdesign. Headed by Giorgietto Giugiaro, the man responsible for the styling of many of the most influential vehicles to be built within the past 40-odd years, this Italian design firm is still churning out innovative and good-looking projects (last year’s Giugiaro Mustang comes to mind). For this year’s Geneva show, Italdesign released the Quaranta concept, itself inspired by the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta concept. The profile is undeniably wedgy, but incorporates both modern and classic styling elements very well. Mounted amidships in the Quaranta chassis is a 3.3-liter V-6 Hybrid powertrain that develops 268 horsepower and 212 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to propel the Quaranta and four passengers to 60 mph in just over four seconds. A claimed range of 621 miles is made possible with the Quaranta’s 16 gallon fuel tank, and the vehicle’s roof incorporates solar panels responsible for powering the interior electronics as well as maintaining the battery charge. The Quaranta can be run in two- or four-wheel drive mode and the ride height can be raised over nine inches to cope with uneven terrain. This concept is proof positive that Giugiaro and son are still at the top of their game.

The X5-sized FX, in fact, ditches its 4.5-liter V-8 for an all-new 5.0-liter engine, rated at 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in Europe (U.S. power figures are not yet final). The FX50’s new engine features an infinite variable valve lift that Infiniti says puts BMW‘s spring-actuated Valvetronic to shame. This is part of Infiniti’s European launch, four years in the making, that aims to put G37s, EX and FX models on the road (Europe will have to wait for the next-generation M35 and M50, thanks to problems fitting Euro-compliant engines in the current car’s engine bay) where only Bimmers don’t fear to tread. Anyway, the G37 sedan and coupe’s V-6 redlines at 7500 rpm, and the FX50’s V-8 spins to 7000 with the new variable valve system.

All engines here are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, another key to meeting European crazy-strict CO2 standards. The FX50 features sports car touches, such as paddle shifters on the steering column and automatic rev-matching throttle blips on downshifts, via Infiniti’s Adaptive Shift Control. The ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split — yes, that’s a mouthful) four-wheel-drive system is also fitted, allowing up to 100 percent of the FX50’s power to be sent to the rear wheels when all-wheel drive is not needed.

Other new features include the EX’s wacky Around View Monitor, plus intelligent cruise control, intelligent brake assist, four-wheel active steering and Scratch Shield paint. A Bose stereo and 21-inch wheels are standard equipment. The new FX50 will hit U.S. roads this June, with a 3.7-liter V-6-powered FX37 to follow.

For a brand that sold less than 20,000 units in the U.S. last year, Jaguar‘s special edition models debuting at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show will definitely deliver exclusivity. The XJ Porfolio and XKR Portfolio are aesthetically-focused models to be produced in “limited numbers” here and in other markets.

Jaguar fans will notice the XKR’s 20-inch Selena alloy wheels are finished with a “unique shadow finish,” Jag says, and a red Jaguar center badge. The XKR gets an exclusive Shadow Grey paint job which is matched with a dark grey or black top. Milled aluminum side vents and an Alcon R Performance braking system with red calipers complete the exterior package. Inside you’ll find leather with contrasting stitching everywhere you look, from the instrument panel to the rear side panels to the 16-way seats. Even the Portfolio carpet mats have a leather edge. Rich Oak veneer and Jaguar’s aluminum trim (with a Piano Black instrument panel) are offered while Alston luxury headlining is yet another reminder of your XKR’s special status.

Not entirely content with the performance of their sport-oriented Jaguar XKR coupe, the engineers in Coventry have released a limited run of 200 XKR-S coupes consisting of a special package that turns the standard XKR up to 11. While the 420 horsepower supercharged V8 remains untouched, the XKR-S has been made lighter, features Alcon Performance R brakes, a stiffer suspension, and subtle body modifications that add a little more aggression to the coupe’s lines. The interior has been retrimmed in premium leather and features a top flight stereo and new instruments that allow for the XKR-S’ new top speed of 174 mph – up from the electronically limited 155 of the standard car.

With the first examples of Ferrari‘s 430 Scuderia being delivered, the Raging Bull has once again upped the ante with the new Gallardo LP560-4. Why 560? That number designates the amount of horsepower the car will have in European trim (we get “only” 552 horses and 398 lb-ft of torque in the States).

The extra power is courtesy of a new, more efficient, all-aluminum engine with a displacement bump from 5.0 to 5.2-liters — the first volumetric increase the Gallardo has received since its inception. The 0-to-62-mph run is reduced from a Lamborghini-claimed 4.0 seconds to just 3.7, and top speed is up from 196 to 202. Time from zero to 124 mph also is down from 12.3 seconds to 11.8. That’s getting closer to our estimated 3.5-second 0-to-60-mph run for the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, though we’ve not yet performed a full test. Otherwise, the Lambo outguns the Ferrari by 49 horses and 51 lb-ft of torque, but does give up 100 or so pounds to the Prancing Horse, despite a weight reduction of 44 pounds.

Magna Steyr’s MILA Alpin is the company’s attempt at creating a compact, attractive off-roader with emissions under 100g CO2 per kilometer. The mid-engined SUV has a “low-cost” all-wheel drive system and can climb grades up to 45 degrees.

Despite the MILA Alpin’s claimed capabilities, Magna Steyr designed the concept to be relatively low in cost to appeal to manufacturers that may want to work with the company to produce the brand-neutral SUV. The MILA Alpin can be fitted with a CNG drive, a hybrid, or even a supercharged engine. Visibility is excellent from the high seating position.

Magna Steyr comically describes the MILA Alpin as having lines “as clear as rock and ice.” Check out the photos below and decide for yourself.

At the core of both the Cooper Works cars is the Twin Scroll turbocharged, 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that pumps out 207 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, in addition to an overboost function that can push torque to 207 lb-ft for short bursts. The unit, based on the engine that will power the cars participating in the MINI Challenge 2008, is good for 0-62 runs of 6.5 seconds in the Cooper and a couple of ticks slower in the heavier Clubman, with top speed limited to roughly 148 mph. Mated to the engine is a modified six-speed manual that also has racing roots and has been optimized to handle the engine’s increased torque.

Both cars are fitted with the S sport suspension as standard equipment, but are also available with a race-ready upgrade featuring firmer damper characteristics and stronger, larger stabilizers both front and rear, along with an entire suspension that’s been lowered by 10 millimeters.

Based on the Peugeot 308, the RC Z ditches its traditional three- and five-door configuration for a sporty 2+2 coupe body style. While traces of Audi TT are clearly visible in the design, the 308 RC Z remains very distinctive overall, with a large front grille and double-bubble roof styling. An emphasis was placed on weight savings, with some body panels, including the roof, being made out of carbon fiber, and the extensive use of aluminum in the suspension. Dripping wet, the 308 RC Z weighs in at a relatively svelte 2,646 pounds.

Power comes from a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 218 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, specially developed for the 308 RC Z. An overboost function ramps up maximum torque from 206 lb-ft to 221 lb-ft — handy for quick starts off the line or when you’re trying to make a freeway pass. Peugeot claims a 0-62 mph run in 7.0 seconds and a top speed of around 146 mph. Four-piston front brake calipers and 14.2-inch discs fitted underneath 19-inch alloys to haul the RC Z back down from speed.

Peugeot’s 308 SW debuts with two new transmissions: an electronically controlled six speed and a traditional manual. The top-of-the-line engine of the bold wagon — developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and the BMW Group — is a 1.6-liter 175 horsepower engine that moves it from 0 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds.

Powering the new Laguna GT will be either a 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 205 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel that makes 180 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Laguna GT is equipped with bigger brakes, 12.9 inch discs up front and 11.8 inch discs in the rear and four-wheel steering using a chassis called Active Drive.

Visually, the Laguna GT is separated from the standard Laguna with 18-inch alloy wheels, larger front grille and air intakes, smoked taillights, and black-background headlamps in addition to the obligatory GT badging. Inside, the Laguna GT is fitted with leather/alcantara sports seats, aluminum pedals and shift knob, and a GT steering wheel.

The Rinspeed sQuba takes its inspiration from the amphibious Lotus Esprit featured in the James Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me.” At the push of a button, the sQuba transforms from sports car to submarine, able to reach an underwater depth of up to 10 meters (33 feet). An electric motor rated at 37kw and 118 lb-ft of torque drives the vehicle’s rear wheels while land-bound, and underwater propulsion is provided by two jet drives in the bow and two propellers in the stern. Rinspeed has dabbled in amphibious vehicles before with the 2004 Splash concept, which also used a hydrofoil to fly above the water’s surface, but underwater capability is a first.

Rinspeed says the body’s lightweight construction is made possible with the use of Carbon Nano Tubes (although we’re not exactly sure what those are) and overall, the vehicle seems to be based on the Lotus Elise, though no mention of that is made by Rinspeed. In anycase, with pure electric power, the vehicle obviously produces no emissions — a key feature according to Rinspeed. The cabin appears to be open, with no roof, although Rinspeed says that an on-board air supply system provides fresh oxygen to the two occupants. So you won’t drown, but you may get a little wet — good to know.

The Phantom Coupe is the production version of the EX101 concept Rolls-Royce unveiled at the 2006 Geneva show. While it’s closely related to the extravagant softtop Phantom Drophead Coupe, the first new two-door hardtop Rolls since the 1975 Pininfarina-designed Carmargue is being pitched as the driver’s Rolls. Both the Drophead and the Coupe are powered by the same 453-horse 6.75-liter V-12 as used in the Phantom sedan. And Rolls-Royce claims the Coupe’s 0-60-mph sprint will take 5.6 seconds-exactly the same as the Drophead. Phantom Coupe does get a pair of rectangular exhaust outlets peeking out from under the rear bumper. There are also three different 21-inch wheels available, two of which are made from forged alloy. That’s about as overtly sporty as things get.

Saab upheld its tradition of showing concept cars with clean, high fuel mileage engines under their hoods with this Geneva introduction. The 9-X has a 1.4-liter biopower turbo and GM’s next-generation hybrid system. The 1.4-turbo, sans hybrid will soon make its way under the hood of the Chevrolet Cobalt in order to help meet tightening CAFE standards. The 9-X show car is devoid of door handles and mirrors, and features active aerodynamics, reshaping the bodywork and extending the roof spoiler above 43 mph. “The shape of the 9-X is right for a car of this size,” designer Anthony Lo says, “and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space.” The show car has no floor-mounted controls or displays. The instrument panel “sweeps” out from atop the door molding and arches across the driver, with embedded 3-D graphics, like the Aero X concept’s. The cargo deck has a requisite electrically powered floor (which we’ve seen only in concepts for years), which slides out when the bottom half of the split tailgate is dropped down. High-friction rubber carpeting covers the backs of the rear seats and the cargo floor, to grip items in place. Aluminum bars raise and lower as the tailgate is opened and closed. One feature that might actually make it into production is a Sony Ericsson in-car connectivity system. As for production, the 9-1 (front-drive) and 9-1X (AWD), based on the Opel/{{{Saturn Astra}}}’s compact platform will launch in Europe early in the teens. Because there’s not a lot of room for a “premium” hatchback under the sticker of a 9-3, it’s not likely to make it to the U.S. unless the Audi A3 and {{{Volvo C30}}} suddenly become successful here.

While VW‘s Scirocco has been grabbing the headlines at Geneva, another brand in the Volkswagen portfolio, Spain’s Seat, has introduced a sharp-looking coupe of its own called the Bocanegra concept. Bocanegra, a revival of a dormant Seat model name, derives its moniker from its blacked-out front clip, which looks fairly menacing. The hot hatch uses VW’s 1.4-liter TSI engine that’s been twin-turbocharged. Mated to the engine is VW’s new seven-speed DSG gearbox, an engine-transmission combination that would likely work well for the coupe should it make it to production. Bocanegra also features a panoramic glass roof, concept-style 19-inch rims shod with low profile tires and cool head and taillight clusters. To us, Bocanegra’s Spanish flair, dynamic lines and unique front end add up to a vehicle that has more character than its Scirocco cousin.

The new Skoda Superb looks like a much-stretched VW Jetta (which, after all, is on a variation of the Passat platform, which is a variation of the Phaeton platform), with a Phaeton-like C-pillar and stretched wheelbase past the B-pillar. It is the kind of New Age post-Warsaw Pact limo that you’d expect to be built by a post-Warsaw Pact automaker. The Superb comes with a full range of engines from the VW parts bin, both diesel and gas, ranging from a 1.4-liter unit up to the range-topping 3.6-liter FSI V-6. And, of course, Skoda is also jumping on the green vehicle bandwagon, rolling out what it calls the GreenLine (wonder what GM thinks about that) series of cars designed to reduce CO2 emissions.

First shown as a concept car at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the Toyota iQ is making its world debut in production trim, ahead of its showroom debut late this year in markets outside of the U.S. The iQ measures less than three meters (about 118 inches) long, for comparison, the smart car is about 2.5 meters. Toyota says this compact urban vehicle can carry three people, with additional room to accommodate a child or luggage. The car’s design was created by bringing together six linked, space-saving engineering techniques that the Japanese automaker says signals a revolution in its vehicle development. iQ is also designed in part to debunk the theory that small cars are inherently basic and less safe. On the stand, the iQ looked the part, meaning, it looked small. And up close, there are more than a few similarities to the Smart ForTwo, especially at the rear. In order to maximize interior room for the 3+1 configuration, Toyota developed several innovative features, including a flat under floor gas tank and a differential designed to save engine compartment space. No mention was made of powertrains as of yet, but Toyota is looking to start production at the end of 2008 and hopes to sell some 100,000 a year.

Toyota is extending its sports utility vehicle range into the small car segment with its new Urban Cruiser, which is essentially a version of the U.S.-market {{{Scion xD}}}. The car will be on display for the first time in Europe. Not much was said about the Urban Cruiser at Geneva other than it is expected to hit production in mid-2009, it will be environmentally friendly (what car isn’t nowadays) and it will feature a 4X4 option.

With a combination of a TDI turbodiesel engine and an electric motor, Volkswagen has transformed an already-efficient hatchback into an absolute greenie. Being a full hybrid, the Golf TDI Hybrid concept is capable of being run on either fuel or electricity independently, or together. A new seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox and engine start/stop system eek every last bit of fuel savings out of this concept, resulting in claimed fuel economy of almost 70 mpg. Impressive stuff.

Here’s one new hatchback already deemed wrong for the American market. VW of America may be on the right track, though, as nothing we’ve seen about this car so far would make us want to give up the GTI. The Scirocco debuts in Europe this year on the next-generation front-wheel drive Golf platform. The GTI’s 2.0-liter FSI, making about 200 horsepower, is expected to be its core engine, although a larger version of VW’s 1.4-liter twincharger four under development may debut in this car. The 3.2-liter V-6 is not expected, so as not to encroach on Audi TT territory. VW’s U.S. operations has passed on the Scirocco because of fears it would cannibalize GTI sales. And certainly VW’s struggles with the euro-to-dollar exchange rate doesn’t help. The people’s car has the toughest time with that because its margins aren’t as big as BMW’s or Mercedes‘.

Volvo’s 2009 XC60 compact luxury crossover will do battle against the likes of other premium segment offerings such as the Land Rover LR2, Acura RDX, and Infiniti EX35.

The U.S. model of XC60 will be offered at launch with just one engine, the T6 inline-six used in the S80 sedan, which is rated at 281 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. European models will be offered with a pair of diesel five-cylinders rated at 185 and 163 horsepower. AWD with Volvo’s Instant Traction feature will be standard in both markets, though a front-drive model powered by a 2.4-liter, 163 horsepower diesel will be offered in Europe sometime in 2009.

Webasto, the German automotive supplier of aftermarket heaters, ventilation systems, sunroofs, and convertible tops, has released images and information on its 2008 Geneva Motor Show-bound LigHT (Light Hybrid Top) concept car. The vehicle’s prominent feature is its frameless polyurethane folding roof, installed on a vehicle designed by the Istituto Europeo di Design to recall the classic Fiat 124 Spider (although we see some Fiat Dino Spider in there as well).

The convertible roof folds flat when stowed, sitting completely level with the car’s body lines for both aerodynamic and aesthetic purposes. The concept will also feature Webasto’s new Liquid Heat Generator (LHG), an auxiliary heating system that generates warmth using turbulence in the engine’s coolant.